How to Use a Handheld Lawn Edger

Use a handheld lawn edger to create a professionally manicured lawn appearance. Edge the lawn after mowing the grass; it is not necessary, however, to edge as often as you mow. When you use a lawn edger too often, the grass can become weak and brittle. Use a lawn edger along sidewalks, driveways and gardens. Avoid using a handheld lawn edger on wet grass. This could damage the edger while giving your lawn a less than perfect edge.

Things You'll Need

Gloves

Safety glasses

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Clear the area. Remove any rocks or branches from the area to avoid damage to the lawn edger.

Adjust the depth setting of the lawn edger blade. Set the blade depth to cut 1/2 inch below the concrete. Avoid cutting deeper than 1 inch. A deep cut could be a safety hazard.

Turn the power on. Position the lawn edger at the corner edge of the lawn, between the grass and concrete. Place the lawn edger's guide wheel against the concrete surface.

Push the lawn edger forward. Apply pressure and push the lawn edger in a straight line, as you walk along the perimeter of the lawn. Keep the lawn edger's wheel guide against the concrete surface, as you walk. Use slow, smooth movements.

Follow the perimeter of the lawn. Stay close to the concrete to create a straight line. Avoid edging too far away from the concrete. This will cause gaps in the lawn.